GP Enterprise Awards 2013: Outstanding Practice Team

This practice in Pudsey, Leeds, launched a range of services and projects last year, aiming to move from a reactive primary care model focused on curative health to a proactive model focused on wellbeing.

The changes at Robin Lane Medical Centre have reduced patient demand while increasing the list size, and freed resources to invest in new staff and services.

The key initiatives include a wellbeing centre, an urgent care walk-in service, a wellbeing volunteer programme, a community newspaper and a smartphone app - all self-funded.

The Pudsey Wellbeing Centre was set up in an adjacent 4,500 sq ft building, bought by the practice. It is home to a cafe/restaurant, a community eye clinic, a volunteer programme, health, social and voluntary sector services (with space provided free of charge), and an education programme led by the clinicians.

An urgent care walk-in service was established for registered patients from 8am to noon, which has reduced overall demand for appointments by 26%.

The practice's wellbeing volunteer programme has trained 50 patients to run self-help groups and community activities, and more than 100 patients are awaiting training.

The proactive care team, which employs a community matron and a healthcare assistant trained in intermediate care, has reduced hospital and practice attendances.

The practice's smartphone app allows patients to book appointments, order prescriptions, send secure text messages to clinicians and set appointment reminders.

The practice also launched the Pudsey Town Observer. Run by volunteers and funded by advertising, this monthly tabloid newspaper promotes community wellbeing on a population scale.

How to vote for this practice as the overall winner

Voting is now closed

The winning practice will receive £4,000 and you will be entered into a prize draw for a fantastic iPad mini. The closing date is 2 September 2013.